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NBA PLAYOFFS

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Diana Fass
April 18, 2026Updated May 3, 2026, 4:17 p.m. ET
The energy of the NBA playoffs extends well beyond the court, filling arenas with sound, color and emotion. See how fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots help set the tone during the opening moments of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Above, New York Knicks fan Spike Lee celebrates with guard Miles McBride after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
The energy of the NBA playoffs extends well beyond the court, filling arenas with sound, color and emotion.

See how fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots help set the tone during the opening moments of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Above, New York Knicks fan Spike Lee celebrates with guard Miles McBride after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.
Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center.
Erik Williams, Imagn Images
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe signs the jersey of 12-year-old Kallie McKenna before game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe signs the jersey of 12-year-old Kallie McKenna before game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Winslow Townson, Imagn Images
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center.
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center.
Erik Williams, Imagn Images
Orlando Magic mascot Stuff getting the crowd into it in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
Orlando Magic mascot Stuff getting the crowd into it in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images
Orlando Magic dancer during a timeout in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
Orlando Magic dancer during a timeout in the fourth quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center.
Jeremy Reper, Imagn Images
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin attend game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images
Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller attend Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026, in New York City.
Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller attend Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026, in New York City.
Sarah Stier, Getty Images
Filmmaker and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee in the stands against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 30, 2026.
Filmmaker and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee in the stands against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 30, 2026.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
A young fan enters the arena seating before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia.
A young fan enters the arena seating before a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia.
Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders perform before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleaders perform before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
David Richard, Imagn Images
GloRilla dances after Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
GloRilla dances after Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Cole Burston, Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog interacts with fans before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Cavaliers mascot Moondog interacts with fans before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
David Richard, Imagn Images
Houston Rockets dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
Houston Rockets dancers perform during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026.
Troy Taormina, Imagn Images
American rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson sit courtside during Game 5 of the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2026.
American rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson sit courtside during Game 5 of the playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2026.
Brad Penner, Imagn Images
Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner, Imagn Images
Toronto Fans cheer on their team during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026.
Toronto Fans cheer on their team during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026.
Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images
A young San Antonio Spurs fan holds up a sign before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center on April 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
A young San Antonio Spurs fan holds up a sign before Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center on April 28, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.
Ronald Cortes, Getty Images
Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with fans against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn.
Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with fans against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn.
David Berding, Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves dancers perform before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
The Minnesota Timberwolves dancers perform before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
Matt Blewett, Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Crunch, the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, warm up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) and Crunch, the Minnesota Timberwolves mascot, warm up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on April 25, 2026.
Matt Blewett, Imagn Images
Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Philadelphia Eagles 1st round draft pick Makai Lemon prepares to ring the bell during pregame ceremony before game against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Eric Hartline, Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors dance team performs during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.
The Toronto Raptors dance team performs during a break in the action against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.
John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images
Rapper T.I. looks on during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rapper T.I. looks on during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
NBA player Chris Paul talks to former player Grant Hill during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
NBA player Chris Paul talks to former player Grant Hill during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Comedian D.C. Young Fly reacts after the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Comedian D.C. Young Fly reacts after the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Atlanta Hawks cheerleader performs before a game against the New York Knicks during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta Hawks cheerleader performs before a game against the New York Knicks during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Rapper and producer Quavo watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Rapper and producer Quavo watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Rapper and entertainer Pastor Troy performs during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Rapper and entertainer Pastor Troy performs during a game between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena.
Brett Davis, Imagn Images
Toronto Raptors fans cheer in the area known as Jurassic Park outside of Scotiabank Arena before game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto Raptors fans cheer in the area known as Jurassic Park outside of Scotiabank Arena before game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images
A member of the Boston Celtics dance team performs during a time out in the first half of a game two against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.
A member of the Boston Celtics dance team performs during a time out in the first half of a game two against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 21, 2026.
Brian Fluharty, Imagn Images
Actor Timothee Chalamet claps in his court side seat during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
Actor Timothee Chalamet claps in his court side seat during the first quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
Brad Penner, Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets fans cheer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Denver Nuggets fans cheer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Denver Nuggets dancers perform in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly attend game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly attend game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images
Actor Will Ferrell attends game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Actor Will Ferrell attends game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
Ken Blaze, Imagn Images
Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe sits next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe sits next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets fan dressed as DC comic the Joker during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Denver Nuggets fan dressed as DC comic the Joker during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026.
Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images
American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts from his courtside seat during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
American producer and activist Spike Lee reacts from his courtside seat during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
Brad Penner, Imagn Images
American Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sits courtside during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
American Olympic gymnast Suni Lee sits courtside during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2026.
Brad Penner, Imagn Images
San Antonio Spurs fan wears an alien on her stomach during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonia on April 19, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs fan wears an alien on her stomach during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center in San Antonia on April 19, 2026.
Scott Wachter, Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena.
Kirby Lee, Imagn Images
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Ken Blaze, Imagn Images
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs his autograph for fans before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs his autograph for fans before the start of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images
Detroit Pistons Dance team performs while playing the Orlando Magic during game one of the first round of the eastern conference playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Pistons Dance team performs while playing the Orlando Magic during game one of the first round of the eastern conference playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on April 19, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images
Fans react court side after a basket by the New York Knicks during the first half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Fans react court side after a basket by the New York Knicks during the first half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden.
Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Ken Blaze, Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers girls cheerleaders perform against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, at Crypto.com Arena.
Kirby Lee, Imagn Images
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Ken Blaze, Imagn Images
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images
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